Cairns Events Let's Do This

Sex on the Reef?!?Every year the Great Barrier Reef experiences a mass spawning event, as the coral coordinates along thousands of reefs to reproduce. Want in? Join us for Coral Spawning on November 28th and 29th. With trips from Cairns and Port Douglas there are plenty of opportunities to witness this amazing natural spectacle.

What is Coral Spawning?

In 1981, Australian researchers on the Great Barrier Reef stumbled across an amazing natural phenomenon. All of a sudden, millions of tiny cells began spewing out of the living corals. They poured into the water column like champagne bubbles, floating to the surface and forming a thick, pink 'slick'. 
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The researchers had witnessed coral spawning, an annual event, which occurs in all coral reefs around the world. Today we know that many corals living on the Great Barrier Reef spawn about four to five days after the full moon in October or November and sometimes in December. 
Why do corals spawn after a full moon, and why do the east and west coast corals spawn at such different times of the year, despite the fact that these reefs have many species in common? 
There are three triggers that set off spawning in corals, according to coral reef expert Associate Professor Peter Harrison from Southern Cross University.

Firstly there must be a gradual rise in sea temperature, triggering the eggs and sperm to mature inside the adult coral.
Second, the lunar cycle coordinates the exact moment at which the corals release their precious cargo into the water.
The third stimulus is related to the diurnal cycle - coral need the darkness of night to do the wild thing!

During these dates we will also be conducting our usual night dives aboard OceanQuest for a chance to witness the Coral Spawning.

Snorkel / SCUBA
Snorkelling permitted
Option of 2 Certified Dives

Location : Cairns' Outer Reefs
Departs : 5pm, from 'C' finger,Cairns Marlin Marina
Returns: 1am, Cairns Marlin Marina

FAQ’S:

WHERE: - ReefQuest “C finger” from Cairns - Wednesday the 28th and Thursday the 29th of November
- AquaQuest from Port Douglas – Tuesday the 27th (The only Coral Spawning on the Agincourt Reefs!

WHEN IS IT: Check in at 5pm ONBOARD the Vessels – Return approx. 1am

WHO IS IT FOR: Snorkellers- Without doing a liveaboard the only way you can snorkel at nighttime! *please note it is recommend that snorkellers have had previous snorkeling experience*

Certified Divers: Have the option of 2 Night Dives *Guides optional extra $15pp/d on RQ (Included on AquaQuest)

WHAT TO PAY/INCLUSIONS:

Activity

ReefQuest Trip

• 2 x Cert dives full gear hire: $250 + $20 levy
• 2 x Cert dives tanks & weights : $220 + $20 Levy
• Snorkel : Adult: $180 + 20 Child: $130 +20

2 Cert Dives / 2 Snorkeling Sessions
Guided Snorkeling Tours
Torches and Wetsuits
Hot and Cold Buffet Dinner
Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate